WASHINGTON- National Farmers Union (NFU) welcomes the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) announcement of the Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Grant Program (FLSP) awards. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that $50 million will be distributed to 141 awardees across 40 states and Puerto Rico.
Goals of the voluntary program include increasing access to agricultural labor through the H-2A visa program, strengthening protections and pay for farm workers and building pathways for legal immigration. NFU and other agricultural stakeholders, along with experts in immigration and labor, engaged throughout the process to ensure the FLSP would support family farmers and farm workers, enhance the resiliency of the U.S. food supply chain and support lawful migration pathways.
“Farmers depend on skilled workers, but face obstacles accessing programs like the H-2A program due to extensive paperwork and red tape,” said Rob Larew, NFU President. “Farmworkers deserve adequate protections, access to assistance programs and options for long-term employment. Responsible agricultural employers need a simpler way to find and hire qualified employees. The result is a mutually beneficial solution that will create a more functional and compassionate farm labor system.”
Rocky Mountain Farmers Union Member, Gwen Cameron (Rancho Durazno, Palisade, Colorado) hosted Secretary Vilsack for the announcements and was among the award recipients. The FLSP will help Rancho Durazno increase its workforce and improve the resilience and well-being of its employees.
To view the complete list of awardees and read more about the program, please visit the USDA website.
###